Stephanie Stone (415) 379-5121
sstone@calacademy.org

Andrew Ng (415) 379-5123
ang@calacademy.org

TOP ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY TO SPEAK IN SAN FRANCISCO

Academy of Sciences presents a lecture by Michael Bean on May 24

California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii). Credit: California Academy of Sciences.

SAN FRANCISCO (April 24, 2006) – Thanks to Michael Bean, the largest frog species on the West Coast may stage a comeback in the most unexpected habitat – the private grounds of a leading California winery. The California red-legged frog is among the many animal species to benefit from the Safe Harbor Agreement, a program in which private landowners maintain habitats for endangered species, and, in return, are guaranteed against federal restrictions on their land. As the chief architect of the program, Bean has seen nearly 3 million acres of private land enrolled since its inception.

Bean’s interest in protecting the natural world began in college, when he came across a robin suffering from DDT poisoning. After receiving his J.D. from Yale Law School, he published The Evolution of National Wildlife Law in 1977, which to this day remains one of the most highly consulted texts on wildlife conservation law. Shortly thereafter, Bean joined Environmental Defense, a national advocacy organization that employs over 250 scientists, economists, and lawyers, and is committed to solving environmental problems both nationally and globally. During his 30-year tenure, Bean’s many successful cases have included the reduction of dolphin bycatch, preventing oil leasing in national wildlife refuges, and more recently, developing the Safe Harbor program and other incentive-based approaches to conservation.

On May 24, Bean will speak about the current political challenge facing the Endangered Species Act. The event is part of the California Academy of Sciences’ special lecture series, and takes place at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco:

Policymaking and Litigation Activities on Wildlife and Endangered Species
Lecture by Michael J. Bean, Environmental Defense
Wednesday, May 24 at 8 pm
As the nation’s leading wildlife law expert, Michael Bean has been one of the most influential observers and shapers of the Endangered Species Act. With Congress poised to make the first major changes to this law in nearly two decades, Bean will share his thoughts on the current political challenge and its potential impacts on the California condor, grizzly bear, West Coast salmon, and over a thousand other rare plants and animals. $8 members, $10 non-members, $6 students; Jewish Community Center, 3200 California Street, San Francisco. Purchase tickets by calling (415) 379-8000 or at the door, when available.

The California Academy of Sciences, including Steinhart Aquarium and the Natural History Museum, is open to the public at 875 Howard Street. Admission to the Academy at 875 Howard Street is: $7 for adults, $4.50 for youth ages 12 to 17, Seniors ages 65+ and students with valid ID, $2 for children ages four to 11 and children ages three and younger will be admitted free of charge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. www.calacademy.org (415) 379-8000.

The California Academy of Sciences, the fourth largest natural history museum in the United States, is home to Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium and the Natural History Museum. The Academy is beginning an extensive rebuilding project in Golden Gate Park. Pritzker prize-winning architect Renzo Piano is designing the new Academy, which is expected to open in 2008.

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